Caring & Safe Schools Assemblies at VPPS!

Dear Families,

As the new school year is beginning, students attended Caring and Safe Schools Start-Up Presentations. These presentations are designed to underscore behaviour expectations as we create a caring, safe and inclusive school environment. As families are critical partners, please continue discussions about school safety at home by asking your child what they have learned in the Start-Up Presentation.

Presentation topics include:

• Racism and types of discrimination;
• Bullying;
• Progressive discipline; and
• Standing up for each other, including methods of reporting incidents of racism, discrimination and bullying.

Inappropriate Behaviour

In the Start-Up Presentation, students are learning about anti-Black racism, other forms of racism, discrimination, and bullying. This learning will continue throughout the school year. Instances of anti-Black racism, other forms of racism, discrimination and bullying are not acceptable and are addressed through progressive discipline. In some cases of racism and discrimination, York Regional Police may be involved.

Students will also be reminded about safe school behaviours, including what items must never be brought to school, such as peanut products, vape products/drug paraphernalia, weapons/replica weapons and knives/replica knives.

Reporting Behaviour

Standing up for one another and reporting when something does not feel safe is part of a caring and safe school environment. Students should report incidents that make them or others feel unsafe or uncomfortable, including acts of racism, discrimination and bullying. Students can report incidents by:

• Telling a caring adult;
• Using the YRDSB’s “Report It Button” (Located on our school’s website, the online Report It button allows students and families to share information about inappropriate behaviour and incidents of hate or discrimination. Please see this video for additional information);
• Contacting Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868).

Mental Health

We will stress to students the importance of connection as we return to school. Students are learning about who they can talk to if they need support. In addition, positive mental health is closely tied to each individual’s sense of identity and safety. As such, mental health initiatives are aligned with equity and safety in mind, which includes culturally specific supports. YRDSB student mental health services are delivered by Board social work and psychology staff. These services are accessible through the school principal. Mental health resources for families are also available on the Board website.

Student Discipline

We use a progressive discipline approach for inappropriate behaviour on and off school property. This means we consider various options to determine the most appropriate response to each situation to help students learn from their choices. In some cases, suspension or expulsion may be necessary. The Ontario Education Act and the Board’s Caring and Safe Schools Policy (found on the Board’s Caring and Safe School Page) outline situations where suspension and expulsion must be considered. These infractions are also outlined in the Guide to the School Year. In addition, when inappropriate behaviour occurs, information will be shared with the student(s) who were harmed and the families of the student(s) who were harmed to the extent that legislation allows.

Tobacco/Alcohol/Drug-Free Environment

The use of tobacco, electronic products (such as vaping, electronic cigarettes and related products) and student possession of alcohol/illegal and restricted drugs, including cannabis, are prohibited on school property or within 20 metres of school boundaries. This complies with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, enforced locally by York Region Community and Health Services. A progressive form of discipline may apply, including suspension from school and fines (up to $5,000). In accordance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), exceptions are made for the traditional use of tobacco that forms part of Indigenous culture and spirituality.

Online Safety and Appropriate Use of Technology

Students are reminded about the Appropriate Use of Technology agreement, including the importance of using respectful language and making positive choices when using electronic communications and social media tools. This agreement is also included in the start-up package that all families receive at the beginning of the year. 

Students are reminded that online threats and comments are taken seriously and may have consequences, including potential criminal charges. Where there are concerns for the safety of students, staff, community members or Board property, the school board works with York Regional Police and appropriate actions are taken. The safety and well-being of students remain our top priority. 

For More Information

For more details on these items, please read the Guide to the School Year or visit the Caring and Safe Schools section on the YRDSB website for more information and to access family resources to continue these conversations at home. 

Thank you for helping us create a caring, safe, and inclusive school community.

M. Farrell and Mme Cucullo